adidas NIl Valuation project

In an evolving sports landscape where athletes are no longer just players but platforms, the conversation around NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) is redefining power, equity, and influence.

For this project, I explored how adidas Basketball and brands like it can bring clarity and strategy to NIL partnerships in an era where schools, teams, and companies are actively investing in athlete identity. Amid the noise, one thing became clear: the future of NIL requires more transparency, not just hype.

I developed a valuation formula that considers both qualitative and quantitative factors from cultural relevance and community impact to performance metrics and social footprint. The goal wasn’t to put a price tag on people, but to build a framework that respects both sides of the partnership. One that helps brands make informed decisions and ensures athletes understand their worth beyond followers and stats.

This project imagines a more thoughtful future for NIL, where storytelling, authenticity, and long-term alignment matter as much as numbers. And where brands like adidas can lead by valuing athletes not just as endorsers, but as collaborators and catalysts.